Clearwater

Located on Tampa Bay north of St. Petersburg, the nearly 36-square-mile city of more than 100,000 people occupies an irregular band of the region's easternmost peninsula. Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Marine Aquarium can be found across the Intracoastal on the city's barrier island, facing the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater boasts one of the best downtowns of any city in Florida, anchored by the newly redeveloped Cleveland Street District, which features retail, dining, and the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre (movies and live shows). The marina is nearby. Meanwhile, duffers will find golf courses galore, from the Landings to Clearwater Country Club.